EDEN released his album No Future in February of 2020 and it charted at #26 on Billboard 200. EDEN has over 4 million listeners on Spotify and a combined following of 484.9K across the social media platforms he uses to promote his music, as well as a tour he announced just before the release of this album. Some would think of this album as good background music because of its slow pace and relaxing theme. However, he has written lyrics and melodies that deserve your attention.
EDEN writes songs like poetry. Take the opening lyrics in the second single “projector”, “touch me and slip away- I can’t hide feeling out of place- I can’t function, oh my mistake- thought you were someone I once knew”. If someone said these at a poetry slam nobody would question them. Add a melody and the vocal arrangements and you’ve got a beautiful verse.
On my first listen it was easy to overlook the work of art. I really had to take the time to just sit and listen because it is just so smooth. I listen to albums from the top to bottom. If you listen to albums out of order you can miss the seamless transitions the go through the album. The production has a lot of Easter eggs. When you listen closely there are gems like small conversations in the background and switches of vocal intensity.
The fan reviews show mixed reactions. The overall theme is that they love the album in its entirety but don’t feel it’s his best. One fan took to Twitter saying “EDEN’s music post-2016 sees him pushing his vocal ability much less and falling into overly minimalistic/ abstract themes”. Despite this, the general consensus is that the music is good. Issues with the album are that EDEN was not pushing his vocals as much as previous years.
Despite these setbacks, the album is undeniably a work of art. EDEN consistently creates music that is captivating. This new album is no exception to that, and the best listening approach is to pay attention and hear the messages that EDEN conveys with his melodies and poetic lyrics.